Lhuys's Monal

Lophophorus lhuysii

The Lhuys's Monal, scientifically known as Lophophorus lhuysii, is a striking bird species found in the eastern Himalayas. This pheasant is known for its vibrant plumage, with a distinctive combination of iridescent blue, green, and coppery colors. The male Lhuys's Monal is particularly remarkable, with its long, metallic green crest and iridescent plumage. These birds inhabit dense coniferous and mixed forests at high elevations, often foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and insects. Due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, the conservation status of the Lhuys's Monal is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Habitat: High-elevation coniferous and mixed forests